[closed] a welcome reprieve from emotional agony

[performance]

WHO: DICK GRAYSON (codename birdbrain) and WALLY WEST (codename kidiot)
WHERE: Maurtia Falls, PA
WHEN: July 31st, NIGHTTIME
WHAT: Crimefighting and shenanigans.
WARNINGS: Nerds.

[ July had been a mess, but at least it's almost over. To celebrate that fact (and his newly-healed leg, and his friends' safe return home, and hopefully the end of everything awful for at least a little while) Robin had invited-slash-dragged Kid Flash out on patrol, just the two of them, somewhere far away from Heropa.

Huge, dark clouds hang heavy in the sky. There's no storm yet, but the air feels like lightning. Or maybe it's just the two of them— ]

Check it out!

[ Robin whoops as he leaps the gap between buildings, executing a neat (if completely pointless) midair somersault. ]

Comments

[performance]

[ Wally's tongue is distracting and everything is the worst. Robin rubs at his eyes and slouches back in his seat, sighing long sufferingly. ]

Alfred, his new superpowers, a couple days after Colorado, our house, and... because having a broken leg really, really sucks?

[runningstart]

So you didn't have to tell Bats? That's good. [Unless Alfred told Bruce, in which case it's bad. Wally orders three more stacks of pancakes and two sides of bacon.]

[performance]

Not yet, anyway. If it comes up, I'll say something, but...

[ Robin shrugs and orders another orange juice. They're going to have to leave one hell of a tip. ]

[runningstart]

[Wally motions for another orange juice also.] Hey, I'm with you. What Batman doesn't know won't hurt him. Or you. Or anyone else involved.

[performance]

You know, it's weird, but once I got over the whole alternate universe thing, it was actually kind of freeing. Like if he approves of what I do, then great, but I don't need it the way I thought I did. I mean, I still want him to think the best of me, obviously, it's not like it doesn't matter, but... I don't know. I guess it's like... being pushed out of the nest. Finding independence I didn't know I was missing, or something.

[ That's... a lot of honesty. He needs that orange juice. ]

[runningstart]

[Wally nods, listening without staring, because this is how Robin does stuff and honestly it's all good to hear. Wally swallows his mouthful so he can say something meaningful and accepting.]

Was that bird metaphor on purpose? Or was that accidental? I really need to know.

[performance]

Honestly, it was sorta accidental but then I just figured: go with it!

[ JAZZHANDS. ]

[runningstart]

[Wally puts down his utensils to give Robin a polite golf clap. Well done sir.]

[performance]

These things just happen when you're a wordsmith. Me and Shakespeare, dude. We're like this.

[ He crosses his fingers. ]

[runningstart]

I think you mean a word butcher. You're more like a word butcher.

[performance]

True geniuses are never appreciated during their lifetime. But centuries from now, I'll be remembered for my contributions to the English language, and I'll totally be saying I told you so in heaven or Valhalla or wherever you go when you become one with the Force, and you'll be like, "as an atheist, this afterlife bothers me," and I'll have to punch you.

Also, the correct response was "more like a nerdsmith." I'm disappointed in you.

[runningstart]

[Wally's just been eating, grin growing more and more incredulous and crooked as Robin keeps going, waving his arms and talking more animatedly than Wally's seen for...wow. Since he showed up, actually.]

Is this, [he gestures at Robin with his fork in a vague circular motion meant to encompass all of him,] sugar rush from the syrup or battle rush from the fight?

[performance]

[ Robin continues, unruffled, spinning his fork airily. ]

Neither. Both? I don't know. Do you want me to analyze my good mood?

[runningstart]

Negatory, Captain, [Wally says as he steals one of Robin's sausage links.]

[performance]

[ Robin prods sort of aimlessly toward Wally's thieving hand with his fork, but he's about done eating anyway. ]

I'm just happy. I haven't been this happy in a long time.

[runningstart]

How long's a long time? [KF lowers his fork, brow furrowing. Since before Robin came back to here, or...?]

[performance]

... I don't know, dude. I mean, it's not like I'm unhappy. It just seems like everything's been stressful for months. As soon as one thing gets fixed, something else goes wrong. And I'm used to the pressure, it's not like it's a big deal, but...

[ He shrugs, his smile going a little sheepish. He didn't want to analyze it, c'mon... ]

This is cool. Just taking down some bad guys, hanging out with you... I think I really needed it. So, thanks.

[runningstart]

[Wally leans back a little, befuddled.] You needed this? I thought- [Well, it doesn't matter.] I mean, yeah sure. Ohhhh wow, what a trial, going on patrol with my best friend so we can be super-cool heroes.

[performance]

[ Okay, so they both needed it, but he's trying to avoid the whole "near death and extreme trauma" conversation, so. It's about Robin, sure. ]

I know, dude, you're basically a saint.

[runningstart]

I'd like some kind of recognition for that, please? A monument in my honor, a day named after me. Or a small country, nothing big. Just something that can be recognized around the world.

[performance]

Maybe we can rename Liechtenstein for you. Do them a favor and make it easier to spell.

[runningstart]

That'll be fun for people vacationing there. "Where are you going for your summer, Lisa?" "Oh, you know, just West."

[performance]

Hah! Just West? What is this, a C-list tourist destination? Not on my watch.

[runningstart]

Oh did I insult your professional integrity with that? I'm sorry. You can design the castles in my kingdom.

[performance]

[ He lights up. ]

I'm gonna make every door a trap door.